It is unusual to begin a month-long observance mid-month, but there's good reason for National Hispanic Heritage Month to begin on the 15th.
Five Latin American countries mark their independence on this date: Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras and Nicaragua. They all declared their independence from Spain in 1921.
On the night of Sept 15, 1810, Father Hildago gave the "El Grito" (Cry for Freedom) that began Mexico's rebellion against Spain. Today, the president of Mexico steps onto the balcony of the National Palace in Mexico City and voices the same "El Grito!" They celebrate Independence Day on Sept. 16.
Rick Good spent ten years in the newspaper business, including with The News & Observer (Raleigh, NC) and The Greenville News (Greenville, SC). He co-wrote, with Melinda Coleman, Rutledge to Riley: Governors of South Carolina, 1776–Present (Published by The Greenville News), and is the author of Mind Games Trivia #1 (Amazon). He has recently spent 15 years creating original trivia content through Sounds Good Mobile Entertainment and continues that with his new company, SGME Software. He edits The Smart Reader’s money, real estate, and business coverage.
